Abstract: A contour shear rest is disclosed for use in a plane shearing machine to simulate, in a three dimensional deep-pile fabric, the effect obtained by sewing together small animal pelts such as mink. The shear rest has a contour surface made up of elements forming a mirror image of a desired contour. The contour surface is formed so that the length of the travel path of fabric drawn across its face is uniform. Tension applied to fabric drawn across the various surfaces is therefore uniform and fabric distortion is substantially eliminated. Subsequently, as the fabric is sheared, it is provided with desired natural-looking contours.